I must have misplaced my outrage for the moment
posted at 8:48 am on January 8, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
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According to the Australian press, you and I are “miffed”, “outraged”, and protesting the decision to have former Prime Minister John Howard stay at Blair House instead of President-elect Barack Obama this week. It’s a “hot topic” on the blogs and radio and TV talk shows. I’m glad someone let me know:
John Howard’s decision to stay at the luxurious Blair House mansion in Washington DC has sparked a firestorm of protest in the US.
Outraged American taxpayers are demanding the former Australian prime minister book a hotel or stay at the Australian embassy.
The story is also a hot topic on US radio and TV talk shows.
For weeks the name of the occupant booked at Blair House on January 12 was a mystery.
President-elect Barack Obama and his family asked to stay at Blair House before taking the keys to the White House but were told it was already booked.
It forced Obama, his wife Michelle and young daughters, Malia and Sasha, to stay at a DC hotel, the Hay-Adams.
Howard is in DC to receive a Medal of Freedom from President Bush for his stalwart support of the US in the war on terror. Australia, under Howard’s governance, fought side by side with the US in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Howard provided a clear voice of reason for the fight against radical Islamist terrorists. He did so at considerable risk to his own political career, which apparently ended with his loss to Kevin Rudd in December 2007, after almost twelve years at the helm. (Rudd has also been supportive of the US and the war.)
Tony Blair has also arrived to receive the same medal for the same reason, but he’s staying at the British Embassy, as Bush had already offered Blair House to Howard. Alvaro Uribe, president of Colombia, will also receive a Medal of Freedom for his work in ending abuses and fighting narco-traffickers while holding off FARC terrorists backed by Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez. They will only be in town one night, and we should be happy to offer American hospitality to any of these three men, but Howard and Blair especially.
Besides, the Hay-Adams ain’t exactly Motel 6. I’ve been there for a meeting, and it’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Washington. I don’t think Michelle Obama and the kids are going to be terribly uncomfortable in those digs, “forced” there or not. Please curse me with a room at the Hay-Adams the next time I’m in town in our nation’s capital, if I can’t get the Obama administration to put me up at Blair.
And, oh, by the way — Obama isn’t the President yet. In fact, since he resigned from the Senate, he’s actually just a private citizen at the moment. Howard’s award of the Medal of Freedom is an official act of government, and Howard is here in the US as our guest. It makes more sense to offer the facility to Howard than to Obama.
So how did Australia’s 9 News determine that we’re “miffed”? The reporter read the comments on the Washington Post piece on Obama’s “inconvenient” stay at the Hay-Adams. That’s reporting for you …
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To be clear: MRS. OP and I are NOT OUTRAGED that we have force the without-a-job Obama to stay at the Hay-Adams.
I am HONORED to have John Howard to stay our our BLAIR HOUSE.
EXIT QUESTION: Is OBAMA paying for the Hay Adams out of his own pocket? He is not a government employee and he is NOT the President. WHO is picking up the tab?
originalpechanga on January 8, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Didn’t bring a book to study hall today?
TugboatPhil on January 8, 2009 at 12:13 PM
I first read about this last month. The Obamas wanted to move into Washington early to allow their daughters to start school right after winter break was over. They asked if they could stay at Blair House, they were told that it was already spoken for and so they said “no big deal.” In fact, I recall their people releasing a statement praising Doubya for being gracious and welcoming. As a matter of fact, this seems like a pretty smooth transition to me, with both parties acting in a grown-up fashion. Bush has hosted Obama three times since the elections and Obama has been very careful not to upstage Bush in these lame-duck days. (Contrast that with Ike and JFK, who supposedly hated each other’s guts so much that they couldn’t even bring themselves to having a cup of coffee together before the inauguration.) I really don’t see why anyone feels the need to pretend that Obama is “miffed” or “chagrined” about this.
Besides, if anyone should have first dibs on Blair House, it’s the former British Prime Minister. After all he has his name on it.
factoid on January 8, 2009 at 12:20 PM
His stay at Blair House doesn’t bother me in the least. Obama wanted to move in because his daughters are going to school nearby. Not public school, PRIVATE school. Too bad pal. You ain’t president yet……….and would you please drop that bullshit “Office of the President-elect”. There is no such office. Ya’d think a “constitutional scholar” would know that.
GarandFan on January 8, 2009 at 12:23 PM
I take it you didn’t vote for Obama then?
Seriously, dude, it’s OK not to like the guy, but can you contain your excitement a little? You wouldn’t want others to diagnose you as having ODS.
factoid on January 8, 2009 at 12:26 PM
Probably his presidential campaign. He had millions of dollars left over after the election.
factoid on January 8, 2009 at 12:28 PM
My guess is it’s being paid for by the donors who are being asked to make the inauguration a success.
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 12:29 PM
My guess would be the “transition” funds are in the mix somehow.
No biggie. He’s gonna cost us more than a couple of weeks hotel charges before he’s out of office. This is pocket change for the gov.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 12:59 PM
sorry, i forgot to give a damn
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on January 8, 2009 at 1:00 PM
I’m outraged that Obama asked to occupy Blair House earlier than presidents-elect traditionally do.
t.ferg on January 8, 2009 at 1:02 PM
Australia, not the UK, has been our most loyal ally in the past century. In fact, in every war we have fought, they have been by our sides. No other country can say that.
Hats off to Aussies everywhere, and I hope Mr. Howard enjoys his stay.
rogersnowden on January 8, 2009 at 1:07 PM
Common sense and sensibility. The media have lost any and all.
It was rude and presumptious of the Obamas to even consider moving to that house. Heh, they are the Ones we’ve been waiting for, except for…er, our national business.
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 1:10 PM
EXIT QUESTION: Is OBAMA paying for the Hay Adams out of his own pocket? He is not a government employee and he is NOT the President. WHO is picking up the tab?
originalpechanga on January 8, 2009 at 12:10 PM
———-
Dear idiot:
1. Obama collects no salary at this time but obviously is an employee of the government with the title “President-elect”. He’s working fulltime during this transition period, a fact which seems to elude your giant brain. You’re actually claiming he’s an ordinary citizen without a job? How stupid.
2. The General Services Administration foot some of the bill for the transition. You could have looked that up if you had an ounce of common sense.
3. To suggest that the incoming president should pay for his own accommodation in DC during the transition period is stupid. He’s the INCOMING PRESIEDNT. But let’s go back previous presidents-elect and look up your outrage then. I’m sure it’s somewhere on the internet on some chit chat room.
You’re just a bitter little Republican looking for anything to whine about.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Sort of a silly thread Ed. Whatever “outrage” is out there is limited to a few media idiots from what I’ve seen. I haven’t heard anything from Obama or his people. The Obamas needed to relocate to DC earlier than most incoming Presidents because their daughters had to start school this past Monday after the holiday break. They asked if the Blair House was available. It wasn’t, so they stay in the hotel for a week or so before moving over to the Blair House. No big deal. Not sure what some of you are going on about.
BTW highhope, true conservatives show class and honor, especially when commenting about those with whom they disagree. Pretty sure the late, great Sen. Goldwater and Pres. Reagan would not approve of your referring to Mrs. Obama as “ghetto chic” and the Obama kids as “snotty”. You sound like a tool.
dakine on January 8, 2009 at 1:16 PM
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 1:12 PM
Obviously, he’s not technically an employee of the government at this time. He will start his next job 1/20/09, and is making preparations for that as is appropriate.
I don’t care if the transition is paid for, including nice digs. I don’t think Obama’s making a big deal out of this.
The media apparently was trying to make a big deal here. This whole thread is about telling this Australian reporter “meh, we’re not really outraged.” Howard is welcome at the Blair House. Thank you for your alliance with us, sir!
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 1:18 PM
After eight years of BDS, some people have no problem being diagnosed with ODS. I’m not one of those people, but I understand them and can’t even bring myself to repudiate them at this moment of super hypocrisy of the Left’s new found patriotism that will disappear as soon as an R gets in power again.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Considerin how much whining you did over the last two years alone, what are you whining about?
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 1:22 PM
Oh, I didn’t mean to talk like Obama – s/b “considering”.
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 1:22 PM
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 1:18 PM
——–
The media have been collossal jacka$$es about this house thing.
They made a mountain out of a non-existent molehill.
But Obama certainly is an employee of the government. He’s making appointments and decisions, so he must be given the official authority to do so. He has signed whatever official papers to be granted the powers to carry through with the transition.
This isn’t some loosey goosey honor system gong show transition with nobody in charge.
People who don’t want to pay for accommodations for the incoming president are petty and stupid.
How pe
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Well, if you want to pay for our incoming president’s home, feel free to drop him a donation. He’s still asking for money and doesn’t really care that you’re not American.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Yeah, saw this pap in the Aussie papers yesterday and laughed. Then again, I’ve seen them try to stir up controversy before by making a shameless attempt to equivocate a potential decision to something completely unrelated where, while perhaps the underlying news itself was noteworthy for about half a second, made no logistical sense whatsoever. But it made for a damned good headline, truth notwithstanding.
Actual issue: perennial overcrowding on Sydney Cityrail trains.
Stupid idea (likely mooted for about half a second): bring back single-decker rail cars – which were superceded by double-decker cars about 35 years ago.
Immediate logical debunks to stupid idea: logistics of rail signaling system; massive cost of changing cars, including 620 new units currently on order.
Press Headlines: “Red Rattlers to Return” (”red rattlers” were the last single-decker rail cars used on the line, retired around the early 1970’s).
How they could print “Red Rattlers to Return” out of that non-issue simply floored me.
Wanderlust on January 8, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Well, if you want to pay for our incoming president’s home, feel free to drop him a donation. He’s still asking for money and doesn’t really care that you’re not American.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:27 PM
——–
Keep up the partisan clown act. You’re having such fun.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Oh really?
The Office of the President-Elect was established by the Presidential Transition act of 1964. Every president since then has used it.
George H.W. Bush’s Office of the President-Elect
SnarkVader on January 8, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Couldn’t people try worrying about something important. I don’t think Obama was upset about this (only the press). Australia has been our most reliable support and Howard is here to get a medal he well deserves. Providing Blair house (before Obama needed it) was totally reasonable.
duff65 on January 8, 2009 at 1:35 PM
OT: Go vote for HotAir. Sullivan is only 1.5% ahead right now.
BadgerHawk on January 8, 2009 at 1:35 PM
I learned about pettiness from liberals during the Bush Administration. You can’t really be upset at getting a taste of your own medicine, can you?
hawkdriver on January 8, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Oh really?
The Office of the President-Elect was established by the Presidential Transition act of 1964. Every president since then has used it.
George H.W. Bush’s Office of the President-Elect
SnarkVader on January 8, 2009 at 1:34 PM
———
It’s amazing how people suddenly explode with anger about everything to do with Obama’s transition when the exact same f**king things happened when every other president-elect transitioned. Wait – it’s not amazing. It’s stupid.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 1:38 PM
Partisan? No, just American. I don’t care what Canadians have to say about this when they’re trying to tell me how my money should be sent. You want something done, spend your own money.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:39 PM
I learned about stupidity from liberals during the Bush Administration. You can’t really be upset at getting a taste of your own medicine, can you?
hawkdriver on January 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
No, it’s predictable. The same thing happens with the Left. You’d have to be stupid not to see that.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
Even better.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
DR, please link for us a picture of any U.S. president-elect, with the seal/plaque in front of him “The Office of the President-Elect”.
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
You just called a liberal a hypocrit – go to the corner and repent!
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 1:48 PM
I don’t know that he has signed a thing to be granted any “powers,” and he is not a government employee at this time.
He is preparing to assume an official government office on 1/20/09. He is making appointments to take effect then, or shortly thereafter. Bush is consulting with him and providing a smooth transition, but he has zero actual governmental authority at this point.
He could issue 100 “President-elect executive orders” if he wanted to, and if Bush didn’t agree they wouldn’t be worth the paper they were printed on.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 1:51 PM
What I keep wondering is where he stayed for the 2 years he worked so hard as a Senator . . . I mean, he was present, wasn’t he?
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 1:53 PM
For being redundant.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 1:53 PM
Heh
He was doing what you have to be nominated after a lifetime of radicalism – hide under a bushel and keep your mouth shut
Worked pretty good
Like a caterpillar turning into a moth
As for the Australian press, wonder why they needed the fix?
entagor on January 8, 2009 at 2:02 PM
I don’t know that he has signed a thing to be granted any “powers,” and he is not a government employee at this time.
He is preparing to assume an official government office on 1/20/09. He is making appointments to take effect then, or shortly thereafter. Bush is consulting with him and providing a smooth transition, but he has zero actual governmental authority at this point.
He could issue 100 “President-elect executive orders” if he wanted to, and if Bush didn’t agree they wouldn’t be worth the paper they were printed on.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 1:51 PM
———-
You have to sign crap to get a Blockbuster video card. So Obama certainly has to sign some crap to take charge of his own transition team and spend the millions of dollars on the salaries and office space and supplies for that team.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 2:03 PM
C’mon, Dave, tell us how much $$ you sent him for his transition/inauguration slush fund. If you don’t remember the exact amount, a vague estimate will do.
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Maybe, maybe not. Transition is a process, not an event.
The G.S.A. actually provides a lot of the logistics, funding, etc. Obama is certainly driving the bus (heh), but the authority is derived from the presumptive responsibility he will assume on taking office.
In other words, none of his decisions or appointments have any effect/authority before 1/20/09, other than what the outgoing administration concedes in the interest of continuity.
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 2:17 PM
C’mon, Dave, tell us how much $$ you sent him for his transition/inauguration slush fund. If you don’t remember the exact amount, a vague estimate will do.
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 2:05 PM
——-
Maybe when you have a remote clue about how a presidential transition happens and is paid for you can come back to the big people table.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 2:18 PM
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 2:17 PM
—-
All I’m saying is I bet he has signed some official bureaucratic papers of some ilk that proclaim him the president elect and he gets to do this and this and this and etc.
I don’t believe that for something this big and important there’s a just some airy fairy unwritten gentlemen’s understanding that the transition will happen. There must be some official paper trail somewhere.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 2:20 PM
This Dave Drywall person is a hoot!
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 2:20 PM
I have no problems with John Howard’s decision to stay at the luxurious Blair House mansion in Washington DC. Who do I need to call to set the record straight?
mindhacker on January 8, 2009 at 2:25 PM
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 1:47 PM
You know, I did try and find a picture from a President Elect Bill Clinton press conference. Admittedly, my google mojo is not very effective, but I could only find a single photo…of Bill and Al announcing some guy as chief scientist or something. There was an absence of a seal/plaque…
Also, the seal/plaque was absent in the three or four photos I found of President Elect GW Bush announcing his cabinet…here is the link to one
<a href=”http://http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/735110.jpg
There is a lack of any ego trippin “Office of the President Elect” BS there…
dish on January 8, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Or, try this one
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/735110.jpg?v=1&c=ViewImages&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193875DCB1DD8387ABBBF50DBBF511C664B284831B75F48EF45
sorry!
dish on January 8, 2009 at 2:31 PM
Actually, if Bush wanted to lock Obama out of the White House until the inauguration, he would certainly be within his rights to do so. Obama has done nothing official whatsoever. He has no power whatsoever. He has not appointed anyone to anything. The only job he has at the moment is preparing himself for the job he will have in a couple weeks. THEN he will make all those appointments he’s been talking about.
But hey, if you think it’s so important and he has so little time and he has actual responsibilities to manage, what the hell was he doing in Hawaii?
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 2:32 PM
But hey, if you think it’s so important and he has so little time and he has actual responsibilities to manage, what the hell was he doing in Hawaii?
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 2:32 PM
——–
Only a moron would suggest that a president elect doesn’t have enormous responsibilities to manage during the transition period.
And only a moron would suggest that after an intense presidential campaign it’s unreasonable for the victor to take a little break before jumping into the transition.
The way some of you dorks are talking, its as if there has never been a presidential transition before and this Magic Negro person is trying to pull a fast one on you.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 2:39 PM
Does anyone else regret the transition from good old-fashioned lathe & plaster to cheap, tawdry DRywall?
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 2:46 PM
He hasn’t been “proclaimed” anything in official terms.
Look, you obviously have little familiarity with the U.S. Constitution, Presidential succession, etc. Let me spell it out in little words for you.
A. At the election, Obama won and will assume the office on 1/20/09.
B. In the interim (which allows for recounts if needed, the electoral college to do their thing, etc.), he has zero authority to affect day-to-day governance.
C. All decisions and appointments he makes are forward-looking, and take effect when he takes office or later, not before.
Look, I’m glad he’s planning, and glad Bush is working with him to make the transition smooth. I just wish people who are clueless wouldn’t pretend he is an actual government employee right now as he sits behind his pretentious seal.
We do have “one president at a time.”
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Dave, I understand you aren’t from the U.S.
The president-elect has no power, no authority, and no position. Nothing, zero, zilch, nada.
If the president were to keel over tomorrow, the vice-president would take over; not Obama.
The current president is the current president until the inauguration. Only after the inauguration does the new person have any position or authority.
Until the inauguration – when he takes the oath of office – Obama is a private citizen.
If Obama were still a senator, he would, right now, be a senator. But that would be all. He is no longer a senator, and he has no other job (he doesn’t own a company or anything), which means that he is quite literally unemployed at the moment.
That’s the way it works here.
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 2:47 PM
Does Hay-Adams have a steady supply of fresh arugula?
Darth Executor on January 8, 2009 at 2:58 PM
Seems the Obama kids were in and out of school all fall, so what is a couple more weeks to miss school?
reshas1 on January 8, 2009 at 3:00 PM
A. At the election, Obama won and will assume the office on 1/20/09.
B. In the interim (which allows for recounts if needed, the electoral college to do their thing, etc.), he has zero authority to affect day-to-day governance.
C. All decisions and appointments he makes are forward-looking, and take effect when he takes office or later, not before.
Look, I’m glad he’s planning, and glad Bush is working with him to make the transition smooth. I just wish people who are clueless wouldn’t pretend he is an actual government employee right now as he sits behind his pretentious seal.
We do have “one president at a time.”
cs89 on January 8, 2009 at 2:46 PM
——–
ALL I AM SAYING IS THE F**KING TRANSITION PERIOD IS NOT MADE OFFICIAL BY SOME BOY SCOUT’S HONOR UNWRITTEN GENTLEMEN’S AGREEMENT OR TERRORIST FIST JAB WITH OFFICIAL WITNESSES.
THERE IS SOME OFFICIAL PAPERWORK THAT EXISTS AND IS SIGNED TO MAKE IT ALL LEGAL.
YES OBAMA HAS ZERO POWER IN TERMS OF RUNNING THE COUNTRY BUT HE HAS POWER OVER HIS TRANSITION TEAM AND HAS THE POWER TO MAKE DECISIONS WITHIN THAT TEAM.
TO SUGGEST THAT THE POTUS-ELECT IS NOT A FUNCTIONING GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE SIMPLY BECAUSE HE COLLECTS NO SALARY IS AN AMAZING NEW HIGH IN NITPICKING.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 3:02 PM
If Obama can’t handle the “enormous responsibilities” of getting ready to be president what the hell are we to expect when he has actual responsibilities? This has never been an issue for any other president. They just choose their cabinet members and take office. I guess this is what we get when we elect a guy with no experience.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM
You’re so full of sh!t. He doesn’t need authorization to prepare himself for his new job. You think if he starts interviewing potential cabinet members without his OFFICIAL PAPERWORK, he’s doing something illegal? Lay off the crack pipe. You sound like an idiot.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:06 PM
If Obama can’t handle the “enormous responsibilities” of getting ready to be president what the hell are we to expect when he has actual responsibilities? This has never been an issue for any other president. They just choose their cabinet members and take office. I guess this is what we get when we elect a guy with no experience.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM
——–
What a ridiculous comment..
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 3:06 PM
So which is it, Dave? Does he have enormous responsibilities, or does he have the time to kick back in Hawaii for “a little break”?
The transition has been going on the entire time. Obama’s only announcing people who will be given these jobs. Even that’s no official yet.
And if Obama himself really believes his office is so important, then why won’t he speak up about Gaza?
You want the best of both, and I get that, really, but it’s just not realistic.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Is Drywall a Plouffe sock-puppet?
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Gotta “make it all legal” LMAO
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:07 PM
Heh.
Jaibones on January 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM
POTUS-ELECT
DR, you’re wrong. He is not the “POTUS-ELECT”, he is the President-Elect, and that’s all for now. After Jan. 20th, you can finally ejaculate.
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM
+ 10
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 3:08 PM
Oh no. The guy who thinks Obama needs an official document to plan his cabinet thinks I said something ridiculous. Woe is me.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Now that you mention it, we never see them here at the same time, do we?
Dave? Out with it.
Jaibones on January 8, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Ha! Alright up there?
He’s not a government employee, period. That’s just a fact. You being Canadian doesn’t excuse your ignorance here.
Yes, he’s in charge of his team, but that doesn’t make him a government employee. The people on his team aren’t government employees either, unless they already are working for the government with a different job.
This isn’t complicated.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 3:10 PM
No, that would be an intern’s job description. Obama doesn’t rank quite that high at the moment.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:13 PM
Let’s get back on-topic, kids. I am very specifically not outraged by the temporary displacement of the Obamas from their premature occupancy at Blair House. Rather, I am thrilled that GW chose to honor the Aussie PM and to quarter him there for a fortnight.
The Australian leftwits who wrote that can only have gotten their faux outrage from some basement-dwelling Nancy-Boy Kos Kids or some such. I have literally not heard a single word of objection.
Jaibones on January 8, 2009 at 3:14 PM
No need to yell.
Jaibones on January 8, 2009 at 3:14 PM
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see who’s hanging out at Blair House when Obama’s on the way out in 2013.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:16 PM
Jan. 20th can’t come soon enough…hung up…
Entelechy on January 8, 2009 at 3:18 PM
I think you mean either 2011 or 2015. If he gets a second term, I don’t think anyone should be surprised if Ayers gets a stay in the Lincoln bedroom.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 3:23 PM
I’m just thinking of the same situation four years from now. Will he allow president-elect Palin to stay there? I doubt it.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:25 PM
As do I. Bush has been amazingly cool about this. We all know Clinton didn’t extend the same courtesies.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Say what you will about Bush, he has more class in his little finger than all the Clintons and Obamas put together.
califcon on January 8, 2009 at 3:37 PM
He just simply is not a government employee. It’s as simple as that.
Wishing it to be any other way doesn’t make it so. He is not, at present, an employee of the government.
Let’s say you knew you were going to get a job at, oh, Starbucks. You were going to become manager as of January 20th, when the old manager quits. Until that time, the previous manager is still at work. The previous manager is an employee of Starbucks. You are not.
You might make all sorts of plans preparing for when you are manager. But you are not manager.
You simply are not an employee of Starbucks. That’s just all there is to it.
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Not changing the rules and the protocol for Malia and Sasha not to miss a day at Sidwell Friends is so not helping Michelle’s kids. you guys really need to cut it with these petty distractions. :)
This matter had already been settled between Bush and Obama and it’s just the sycophantic media trying to stir shit up. Give these nuts some room–they only have 11 days to go and then I wouldn’t be surprised to see a couple of their heads explode for lack of things to focus on. The actual Obama Administration won’t be much to be proud of.
gippergal1984 on January 8, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 3:34 PM
especially when you consider that the next guy got there by demonizing Bush to his fellow liberals to work them up into a froth like a bunch of rabid dogs.
gippergal1984 on January 8, 2009 at 3:39 PM
I wouldn’t rule out that possiblitiy for Mr. Drywall.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Cue a new round of Britney stories in 3, 2, 1…
Snowed In on January 8, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Well, that’s not saying much, but you’re absolutely correct.
And he holds no grudges about it. I’m honestly impressed.
Esthier on January 8, 2009 at 4:01 PM
1. The LA Times called Barack the Magic Negro. Rush just turned into a parody of Al “Bullhorn” Sharpton.
2. Obama was the first President-Elect to use an official seal declaring himself so. The others apparently assumed that people already knew it.
3. This was never a newsworthy item. The Obama’s made a request that was unable to be fulfilled and thus the request was denied. End of story.
4. Calling someone a “filthy bastard” isn’t racist. Technically speaking, he isn’t a bastard since his parents were married when he was born, even if it was only for 6 months. And as for “filthy,” well we know that isn’t true because “Joe the Biden” told us that he was clean, whatever that’s supposed to mean.
Now for what I’d really like to see:
January 11, 2009 (after Sunday talk shows are off the air)-President Bush resigns, claiming that he wants to spend more time with his family (athletes and coaches use it, why not the President). Dick Cheney becomes President.
January 12, 2009 – President Cheney names Condoleeza Rice as his Vice President.
January 18, 2009 – President Cheney resigns, citing health reasons (who could argue with that, he’s had 4 heart attacks). Condoleeza Rice becomes President and therefore becomes the first African-American President as well as first female to become President.
I know, I know! Never gonna happen, but how cool would that be to take the air out of the sail of the Precedent (intended)-Elect. Nancy Hollister was the first female Governor of Ohio and was only on the job for 11 days between the Voinovich and Taft administrations. Granted, Voinovich was elected to the U.S. Senate which led to his resignation, but a guy can dream!
rmel80 on January 8, 2009 at 4:05 PM
So the upshot is the media is incredibly lame and full of editorializing ideologues… everywhere. Great.
redfoxbluestate on January 8, 2009 at 4:18 PM
Well, I for one AM a little miffed…
I actually am a government employee, and the last time I had to travel in the line of duty, I WAS put up at a Motel 6 – if it’s good enough for lil’ ol’ me, why isn’t it good enough for Private Citizen Obama?
uncivilized on January 8, 2009 at 4:36 PM
He just simply is not a government employee. It’s as simple as that.
Wishing it to be any other way doesn’t make it so. He is not, at present, an employee of the government.
Let’s say you knew you were going to get a job at, oh, Starbucks. You were going to become manager as of January 20th, when the old manager quits. Until that time, the previous manager is still at work. The previous manager is an employee of Starbucks. You are not.
You might make all sorts of plans preparing for when you are manager. But you are not manager.
You simply are not an employee of Starbucks. That’s just all there is to it.
Alana on January 8, 2009 at 3:38 PM
——
Wow. This is so absolutely exactly the same as the transition of the President of the United States. Thanks so much.
Dave Rywall on January 8, 2009 at 4:44 PM
I think Rywall blew a fuse. He’s been quiet for a few hours here, since his all-capital letters rant at 3:02 PM.
Happy Elvis’ Birthday, everyone!
UltimateBob on January 8, 2009 at 4:49 PM
Oops…. spoke too soon.
UltimateBob on January 8, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Not exactly the same, to be sure. Just in all the ways that relate to your absurd statements. One difference, of course, is that Starbucks would have canned his ass right after he unveiled his “Starbucks Manager-Elect” name tag.
Ronnie on January 8, 2009 at 5:01 PM
mel, you have way to much time on your hands my man.
dakine on January 8, 2009 at 5:03 PM
This, is true.
rmel80 on January 8, 2009 at 5:20 PM
I drive for a living. I have nothing but free time!
rmel80 on January 8, 2009 at 5:22 PM
Now Davey, finish your homework, please. Supper is almost ready.
Laura in Maryland on January 8, 2009 at 5:36 PM
Well if it was good enough for John Edwards and his baby-momma…uh that wasn’t a Motel 6? Never mind!
Laura in Maryland on January 8, 2009 at 5:39 PM
Not only am I not fluffed about it, I don’t think the Obamas are either, so why does anyone in Australia care?
Sheesh.
Bob's Kid on January 8, 2009 at 6:12 PM
No, “we” would not. That “shatting upon” others is a Leftwing compulsion.
President Bush has demonstrated remarkable graciousness and courtesy to and about Barry and wife and so have millions of others, unlike the presumptuous behavior by Obama and his predecessor, Bill Clinton. I’m sure we’d be hearing Obama wail about his waffles and why people won’t leave him alone if people suddenly stopped clapping.
AND, I do anticipate a very big problem getting Obama to move OUT of the White House in a while from now. I’m betting there will be ample “shatting upon” by the Obamas in the not too distant future, being the Leftists that they (both) are.
S on January 8, 2009 at 6:19 PM
An excellent notion except I’d never put that upon Australia. Maybe just send the Obamas to Afghanistan or, uhh, Leavenworth.
S on January 8, 2009 at 6:21 PM
The Nine Network reporter based in the US is Peter Stefanovic, brother of local (Aussie) Today Show host Karl Stefanovic.
I don’t know if this piece on ninemsn is from Peter.
I’m also taking a stab at the e-mail addresses but if Peter and Karl’s matches Nine’s usual protocol you can send e-mails of support for JWH to pstephanovic@nine.com.au; or kstefanovic@nine.com.au
– Nora Charles
The Thin Man Returns on January 8, 2009 at 6:28 PM
You are not reading, apparently. In other words, what you wrote there is just not true. Patently untrue.
S on January 8, 2009 at 7:01 PM
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